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Valentine's Day in the Windy City

By Tracey Teo

If you are planning to surprise that special someone with a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, consider a trip to the windy city. First class dining, romantic hotels and an exciting nightlife are as ubiquitous as the twinkling lights along Lake Michigan. After checking out a number of special Valentine's Day packages and activities, here's what I found to be the most enticing.

The Fairmont Hotel-Romantic Escape to the City

If The Fairmont Hotel's Romantic Escape to the City package doesn't get you in the mood for love, nothing will. This sensual getaway includes all the ingredients required for an evening of passion.

Romantic views of Lake Michigan are plentiful from the Fairmont, as are all the things to do and see in the area.  Take a short walk down to the city's landmark Water Tower and catch a horse and carriage ride. Seeing Chicago at a leisurely pace will give you plenty of time to snuggle with your Valentine under a big, warm blanket.

Food and romance have been linked since Marc Antony fed grapes to Cleopatra, and dining at the Fairmont 's Aria Restaurant and Bar is as romantic as it gets. Chic and trendy, the restaurant serves traditional American fare infused with unexpected global flavors. Each dish is served with such spectacular presentation that it is almost a work of art.    It may be tempting to fill up on the complimentary hot naan bread or the assortment of scrumptious spuds on the "potato board," but don't do it, because this is one place you don't want to miss dessert.

Chocolate has been thought of as an aphrodisiac for centuries, and Aria has one of the most tantalizing chocolate concoctions imaginable. Three desserts in one, Aria's chocolate masterpiece, called chocolate spectrums, allows you to savor light, medium and dark chocolate all on one chocolate drenched plate. 

Speaking of aphrodisiacs, Valentine's Day guests will take home a complimentary copy of "The New Inter Courses: an Aphrodisiac Cookbook." While it does give a whole new meaning to the term "comfort food," this isn't a cookbook you will find in your mother's kitchen. Whether you believe in the amorous powers of these "love potions" or not, you and your partner will delight in trying out recipes like curried oysters in chardonnay and chocolate-almond truffles.

Also included in the package is a Kama Sutra turndown.  I don't want to give it away, but let's just say guests discover some festive Valentine's Day "party favors" on their pillow.

The pampering continues the following day with breakfast in bed. You can savor a second cup of coffee without stressing about check-out time, because this special getaway allows you to check out at your leisure.

Amore at The Amalfi

For a different kind of romantic experience, enjoy a weekend of luxurious relaxation with Amore at the Amalfi, a Valentine's Day package complete with sparkling Italian wine and champagne truffles. A boutique hotel in the heart of Chicago's oh-so-posh North River District, The Amalfi is two blocks from world-class shopping on the Magnificent Mile and just a short walk from the Theater District.

As you enter the lobby with its bold, contemporary design, you are greeted by an "experience designer," a kind of super concierge that will do everything possible to make sure your stay is exactly the kind of vacation you had in mind.

If you will be popping the question this Valentine's Day, an advance conference with an experience designer will ensure that the champagne is chilling, the ring is ready and everything is taken care of down to the last detail to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Odyssey Cruise

What could be more romantic than cruising down Lake Michigan by moonlight while enjoying one of the most amazing panoramic views in America? Chicago is famous for its spectacular skyline, and there is no better vantage point to appreciate it than from the observation deck of the Odyssey. Add a complimentary glass of champagne to that picture, and a dance under the stars, and you are guaranteed a Valentine's Day like no other.

So for an evening more memorable than one spent in a restaurant, wine and dine your sweetheart on a romantic dinner cruise.  Upscale American cuisine is served in an intimate atmosphere filled with possibilities. The three course meal begins with an elegant trio of appetizers that includes a tomato crisp filled with lox mousse and caviar. For the first course, diners have a choice of duck confit, salad, crab chowder or lobster cobbler. Deciding on an entrée requires serious consideration. North Atlantic Salmon served over Cajun couscous, Seafood Ravioli Gratinee, and syrah-braised short ribs served with white truffle mashed potatoes are just a few of the tempting selections. A visit to the dessert table, complete with the Odyssey's signature chocolate fountain, is a sweet coda to a magnificent meal.

Photo provided by the Amalfi Hotel

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